February 26

Born in Bavaria, Levi Strauss emigrated to the United States during the Gold Rush era. He established Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco in 1853, supplying durable denim overalls to miners. Strauss's innovation in riveted construction led to the creation of iconic blue jeans that became a global fashion staple. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the world’s leading apparel brands. His legacy endures in the clothing industry more than a century after his death.

Herbert Henry Dow was born in 1866 in Canada and earned a chemistry degree in the United States. He discovered an economical method to extract bromine from brine, founding the Dow Chemical Company in 1897. Under his leadership, Dow pioneered numerous chemical processes including the production of chlorine, magnesium, and other industrial chemicals. Dow’s innovations laid the groundwork for the modern chemical industry and his company grew into a global corporation. An advocate of scientific research, he supported laboratories and engineers. Dow’s entrepreneurial vision left an enduring legacy in manufacturing and materials science.

Born into a wealthy family, James Goldsmith made his fortune through corporate takeovers and investments in the 1970s and 1980s. Frustrated by what he saw as undemocratic EU policies, he launched the Referendum Party in the UK to demand a public vote on European Union membership. He served as a Member of the European Parliament and used his media savvy to shape political debates. Goldsmith was known for his outspoken views, lavish lifestyle, and influential family, including children active in journalism and politics.

Ronald Lauder is an American businessman and philanthropist from the Estée Lauder family. He served as United States Ambassador to Austria from 1986 to 1987, representing U.S. interests at the end of the Cold War. A prominent art collector, Lauder has championed cultural initiatives and educational programs around the world. He later led the World Jewish Congress, advocating for Jewish communities and human rights. Through his business leadership and diplomatic service, Lauder has bridged commerce, culture, and philanthropy on the global stage.